F1 drivers’ numbers for 2026: idols, family inspirations, and superstition
Race numbers. Every F1 driver carefully selects the number that will accompany them throughout their Formula One career. Behind each of the 22 drivers competing in the 2026 championship is a story shaped by idols, family inspirations, and a touch of superstition. Let’s explore the numbers of the drivers for the upcoming season and the changes from the 2025 championship.
Charles Leclerc – 16
Leclerc continues with number 16, which reflects his birth date (October 16, 1997). However, the true reason behind Charles’ choice is more personal: he originally wanted number 7, already taken by Kimi Raikkonen, or 10, chosen by his friend Pierre Gasly. So he picked 16: “Why? Simple, 1 + 6 equals 7.”
Lewis Hamilton – 44
Lewis Hamilton keeps 44 for his Ferrari. The seven-time world champion has maintained this number, even when he could have chosen 1, because it has been with him since his karting days. Hamilton chose the digits from his father’s license plate, F44, when he couldn’t decide on a number.
Lando Norris – 1
Lando Norris will carry the number 1 on his McLaren next year, reserved for the reigning world champion. “It’s a tradition I don’t want to break,” the Brit explained, adding that he would like everyone in the team, including the mechanics, to wear it. Norris leaves behind his beloved 4, chosen at his F1 debut as a tribute to idol Valentino Rossi.
Max Verstappen – 3
After four years as world champion, Max Verstappen must give up number 1. The Dutch driver, who finished second in the championship by just two points, decided not to return to his original 33. Instead, his Red Bull will feature number 3 next year: “It’s my favorite number… except for 1!” explained SuperMax. Number 3 returns to the grid after a one-year absence, last used by Daniel Ricciardo.
Oscar Piastri – 81
Oscar Piastri remains loyal to 81. The Australian, who once dreamed of winning the world title, chose 81 during his first F1 season: “At my first go-kart race, I had to pick a number. I went to a car shop and only found 1, so I picked 11. But it was taken on the track, so I found an 8 somewhere and made it 81.”
George Russell – 63
Mercedes driver George Russell keeps number 63. “It’s like a family number,” he explained, as his brother used it in karting. George continued the tradition. Fans can also spot his initials, GR, hidden in the number and on his helmet.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli – 12
Antonelli will continue using 12 on his Mercedes, honoring Ayrton Senna. “It’s always brought me luck, I’ve used it since Formula 4. Joining the Mercedes Academy at 12 felt like a sign,” he said.
Alexander Albon – 23
Since returning to F1 in 2022, Alexander Albon has kept number 23, also used in his early F1 years. Iconic in sports history, the number is linked to legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. For Albon, it’s personal: 23 is half of 46, the number of his idol Valentino Rossi.
Carlos Sainz Jr. – 55
Sainz chose 55 as a playful reference: it combines the last letter of his first name with the start of his surname, forming a handy hashtag: #Carlo55ainz. He picked 55 at Toro Rosso when his preferred 5 was already taken by Sebastian Vettel.
Fernando Alonso – 14
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso will use number 14, inspired by a childhood memory: on July 14, 1996, at 14 years old, he won the karting championship with that race number. “From that moment, I knew it had a special meaning.”
Nico Hulkenberg – 27
Nico Hulkenberg continues with 27, which will appear on the first Audi F1 car. The choice reflects the sum of his birth day (19) and month (August, 8).
Isack Hadjar – 6
Red Bull newcomer Isack Hadjar keeps number 6, previously used by Nico Rosberg and Nicholas Latifi. “As soon as I learned it was available, I chose it. It’s been my number since my first go-kart race,” he said.
Oliver Bearman – 87
Haas driver Oliver Bearman will race with 87. “I was born on May 8, my brother on August 7, so it’s my absolute favorite number.” He couldn’t use it at his F1 debut replacing Sainz in Jeddah 2024: “I couldn’t choose it, but it was the last of my worries!”
Esteban Ocon – 31
Ocon retains number 31, which he chose in October 2014 for his first F1 test with Lotus and has kept ever since.
Liam Lawson – 30
Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson will carry 30. Unlike many peers, he didn’t pick his first career number, but that of a mentor who supported him when he began racing. “He was my hero, so I chose 30 to always carry him with me.”
Lance Stroll – 18
Lance Stroll continues with 18, referencing his early career when he won the Italian F4 championship with that number. He also debuted in F1 shortly after turning 18: “I’m a bit superstitious, so I felt it was a sign.”
Pierre Gasly – 10
Pierre Gasly keeps 10, the number he used to win the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup in 2013. It also pays homage to one of his idols, French football legend Zinedine Zidane.
Gabriel Bortoleto – 5
Gabriel Bortoleto will race with 5 on Audi’s first F1 car, the same number he used to win the Formula 3 title and previously worn by Sebastian Vettel.
Franco Colapinto – 43
Alpine’s Franco Colapinto keeps 43, the same number his father Anìbal used in both car and motorcycle racing in Argentina.
Arvid Lindblad – 41
Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad will continue with 41, the same number he used in Formula 2.
Valtteri Bottas – 77
Returning with Cadillac, Valtteri Bottas brings back 77. Early in his career, he couldn’t take his preferred 7, already chosen by Kimi Raikkonen, so he doubled it to 77.
Sergio Perez – 11
Sergio Perez returns with 11, inspired by football legend Ivan Zamorano from CF América. “I admired him a lot, so I chose his number,” said the Mexican driver.
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